The 2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI pairing have been officially revealed. Thesemid-cycle updates for the X3, X4, X3 M and X4 M bring significant changes across the board, to make the German duo even more competitive.

The BMW X3 and X4 occupy the mid-sized luxury SUV segment. Rivals include the Audi Q5 (and soon-to-be-released Q5 Sportback), the Mercedes-Benz GLC, the Jaguar F-Pace, and the Volvo XC60. The X3 is of particular importance to South Africa as the BMW facility at Roslyn Pretoria manufactures the X3 for both local market consumption and export.

The2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI updates are extensive, with cosmetic changes inside and out, with the engine lineup being carried over. Bucking the trend of oversized grilles, the 2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI features an updated version of the kidney grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, new-look LED headlamps and some interestingly-styled rear LED taillights.

Inside, the2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI receive a new-look center console with the climate control now above the audio controls. There’s a new 10.250-inch infotainment screen, but if you go for the Live Cockpit Professional (standard on X4), there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch screen on offer. There are also tweaks to the interior trim and materials.

As far as engines go, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine soldiers on and can be found in theX3 sDrive, X3 xDrive30i, and the X4 xDrive30i derivatives. It produces 184 kW and 349 Nm, giving the car a 0-100 kph claimed sprint time of 6 seconds.

For the performance fundis, the M40i powertrain now features a 48-Volt mild-hybrid system working with the 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder. Outputs of 284 kW and 500 Nm are on offer, giving the cars a 0-100 kph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i models also receive sporty-looking body kit and wheels, as well as subtle badging.

2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI M Competition

Of course, the performance twins of the BMW X3 M and X4 M have been given a similar treatment, however, petrolheads will be pleased to hear the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-6 motor may not have had a power boost, but torque is up from 600 Nm to 649 Nm. The extra torque comes from a 3D-printed cylinder head core and a forged lightweight crankshaft from the M3 and M4.

These extra 49 Newtons may not sound like much, but both vehicles see their 0-100 kph sprint time claims drop from 4.0 seconds down to 3.7 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 kph or get the M Driver’s Package for an extra 30 kilometers. As before, the BMW X3 M and X4 M feature an 8-speed gearbox and we expect South Africa to receive the full-fat Competition models.

Inside, the BMW X3 and X4 LCI M models will receivepowered M sport seats with illuminated M logos, Merino leather upholstery, Alcantara knee pads on the center console, the M multifunction steering wheel, M seat belts and other goodies. If you’d somehow missed it, the vibrant Sao Paulo yellow paint is now available too, so your car looks as loud as it sounds.

When is the 2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI coming to South Africa?

BMW South Africa confirmed the duo will be touching down in the 4th quarter of 2021.

Further Reading

Want to buy a new or used BMW? Browse stock

BMW X3 Buyers Guide

BMW X3 30d Review

The BMW X3 is proudly South African, but driven by the world

BMW X3 M International launch review